Written/Compiled and Reported by Zhang Yingying, MOOK Travel Life Network
After twenty years of effort, Mount Fuji’s bid to become a World Heritage Site is expected to succeed this June！ Fans of Mount Fuji and locals in Yamanashi Prefecture are overjoyed, and many mountain climbers and photography enthusiasts are also very excited. The iconic symbol of Japanese spirit, Mount Fuji, is taking a step closer to becoming the “Mount Fuji of the world”!
Mount Fuji is expected to complete its World Heritage listing in June, and both the Japanese government and its people are delighted by the news. The photo shows the view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi. (Image provided by Mt. Fuji & Yamanashi Tourism Promotion Organization)
Mount Fuji is located at the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters, making it Japan’s highest peak. It is also an active volcano, rich in natural landscapes and cultural sites such as the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine and the ruins of shrines along the climbing route. The surrounding tourism benefits are significant. In addition, the beautiful seasonal changes of Mount Fuji often appear in Japanese artistic creations, whether in paintings, literature, or even modern photography, all demonstrating the special place Mount Fuji holds in the hearts of the Japanese people.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, recommended on April 30 that Mount Fuji be listed as a World Heritage Site. It is expected to be officially announced as a World Heritage Site during the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held in Cambodia in June. Upon receiving the news, all Japanese government officials were thrilled. However, at the same time, Japan’s Miho no Matsubara and the historic samurai capital of Kamakura were not recommended.
Mount Fuji displays diverse and stunning beauty across the four seasons, with picturesque lakes and mountains. The photo shows the view of Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka. (Image provided by Mt. Fuji & Yamanashi Tourism Promotion Organization)
Taking the Suruga Bay ferry offers a great view of Mount Fuji. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Upon the announcement of this good news, not only was the entire nation of Japan elated, but major Japanese media also covered it extensively through special reports and extra editions. Stock prices of related companies also rose accordingly. The happiest were the locals around Mount Fuji, who excitedly said, “We want to introduce the beauty of Mount Fuji to even more people around the world!”
World Heritage Sites are part of a treaty established by the United Nations in 1972 to protect the world’s valuable assets. They are divided into cultural heritage, such as buildings or ruins, and natural heritage, such as ecology and landforms. Currently, there are 962 World Heritage Sites worldwide, and Japan already has 16, including Yakushima and the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area.
There are many ways to enjoy Mount Fuji, whether by climbing it or admiring it from afar. The visual beauty and emotional experience Mount Fuji offers to both Japanese people and tourists around the world give it a special meaning in many hearts. The good news of its potential World Heritage listing has caused a great local response in recent days, and visitors are equally delighted. It is believed that this will inject even greater vitality into promoting local tourism and sightseeing!
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